Cong slams govt over imposition of load shedding

“Eight hours of load shedding is little too much especially when life is supposed to be completely functional for citizens,” Congress legislator from East Shillong, Ampareen Lyngdoh told reporters on Monday.

Lyngdoh said that the state government should have consulted the people before taking such a decision.

“Out of the blue we just heard an announcement made by the MeECL vehicle going all over the town saying that from tonight we are going to have load shedding and from tomorrow that this is the schedule. This is not fair and I feel that this is wrong timing,” she added.

It may be mentioned here that the state Cabinet had earlier approved the proposal of the power department for allowing the MeECL to avail loan up to Rs 1,345.72 crore for clearing all power outstanding dues.

Asked, Lyngdoh said that the opposition will definitely question the state government regarding the loan.

“…we were informed that the government is taking care and has taken loans almost 2000 crore, we were given this feeling that everything was much better but suddenly out of the blue it has happened so this has taken the public by surprise,” she said.

Stating that it is difficult to understand why eight hours of load shedding has to be imposed at peak hours, the MLA said, “9 am to 12pm is peak hour, 7pm to 8pm is also peak hour…it is completely inconvenient for the public to adjust to this sudden breaking of power. I cannot imagine how people will live because this is going to be a big challenge.”

According to her, the decision was unwarranted, too sudden, without consultation and without explaining to the public why it needs to get done.

Stating the load shedding imposed by the government in the past was due to unavoidable situations, the Congress leader said “I don’t want to comment about any one bragging about anything but I need to call attention that on the fact that now that you having that same problems like the government in the past have undergone, you should looks for solution and should involve the public at the time you take these important decision.”

By Our Reporter